French-SA focus on socio-economic challenges
SCIENCE and innovation as vehicles for addressing a range of pressing social and economic issues will come under the spotlight at the first official FrenchSouth African science and innovation event taking place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria today and tomorrow.
The two-day event aims to strengthen and increase co-operation in research, training and innovation aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges in South Africa, the region and the continent.
Department of Science and Technology spokesperson Veronica Mohapeloa said that in June 2008 South Africa and France had signed a science and technology co-operation agreement covering ICT research, basic research, nanotechnology, innovation, human capital development, space science and agriculture.
“Topics to be discussed at the French-South African science and innovation event will include climate change, the sustainable development goals, cross-border research, health care and sanitation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence. Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and learn about new tools and technologies in various fields,” she said.
Academics and industry stakeholders are expected to discuss the AI challenge in relation to innovation and human capacity building strategies,
Other seminars include the NGO and private sector stakeholders discussing TB in South Africa, including vaccines, diagnostics, genomics and epidemiology, new drugs and tuberculosis relating to pregnant women, people living with HIV and children.
South African and French scientists will talk about atmospheric pollution and climatic change in the region.
“With more than 15 000 scientists, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is Europe’s largest research organisation. Stéphanie Thiébault, head of the Institute of Ecology and Environment at CNRS, will give insight into the latest research in these fields during a panel discussion on regional co-operation,” Mohapeloa said.
“The two-day event will culminate in a cocktail function at the French Ambassador’s Residence, which will also serve as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the CNRS and the 75th anniversary of France’s Institute of Research for Development (IRD),” she added.